RSS News Feeds

TRAVEL Q&A

A Little Rock and Roll

A I'd like to visit the Clinton Library in Little Rock in the spring. I'm looking for modest lodging for two or three days, maybe longer if there are other interesting sights nearby.

Andrew B. Lyles

Washington

Q The Clinton Presidential Center, which opened Nov. 18, is located in a 30-acre park along the south bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock. The center comprises the library, the museum (with 20,000 square feet of exhibit space spread over two levels), the renovated 1899 Choctaw Station (which houses offices), the Scholars Garden and the Rock Island Railroad Bridge, which is slated to become a pedestrian walkway across the river. Admission for adults is $7, seniors, $5. Info: 501-374-4242, www.clintonfoundation.org.

The nearest hotel is Marriott's Courtyard Little Rock Downtown (501-975-9800, marriott.com), which is on the appropriately named President Clinton Avenue (the same street as the library). Doubles are $89 to $109 per night, or slightly less for older travelers who are members of the chain's Rewards program. The Peabody, Capital Hotel and Doubletree are also nearby, but not close enough to walk; you'll need to take a cab or a trolley and a tram. Of the three properties, the Doubletree is the least expensive, from $87 a night. The Rosemont B&B (501-374-7456, www.rosemontoflittlerock.com) is a strollable distance to the library, if you have stamina -- or a five-minute drive if you don't.

You can easily spend a couple days touring the capital and its environs, which are full of history, hot springs and politics. Top attractions include the River Market District, about 10 blocks from the library; Central High School National Historic Site and Museum; the Old State House Museum, which served as a backdrop for Clinton's presidential bids; and the Governor's Mansion. You can see all of these on your own, or join a tour. Little Rock Tours (501-TOUR-BUS, www.littlerocktours.com), for example, has the Hot Springs Tours, which mixes Clintonabilia with the thermal waters. Cost is $44 for adults, $39 for seniors.